The search is on for poor Bob who was injured on the road in Co Down last night.

The handsome black Labrador was accidentally hit by a car Cotton Rd and ran off towards Donaghadee.

Now Lynsey Smyth, a vet nurse from Rathgael Veterinary Clinic, Bangor, is leading the campaign to have Bob reunited with his distraught owner Lisa Martin.

Lisa said: “Bob was staying with a friend while I was at work and he ran off while she was feeding her own dogs. He always accompanies her to their kennels but he got distracted and zipped off. And when she called him back he got hit by a car and he ran off.

“The driver was very upset and he has been with us trying to find Bob. He's a gentle dog, a pure bred, all-black Labrador and he's three years old. He was trained as a gun dog but he hated it and just wanted to be family dog whose only responsibility is cuddles and that’s just what he has with us.

Jay and his missing friend Bob

“So we're desperate to get him home and have him examined by a vet. He may be hiding cause he is scared or injured. He is a shy dog but friendly although if he's hurt he may be reluctant to be touched by a stranger. He could be under a hedge or in an outhouse, he could be anywhere and we’re frightened for him.

“We are so grateful to Belfast Live for helping us in our search for Bob. Can we ask everyone to share this information and if you’re in the area please take an extra few minutes to look out for him or check areas in which he could be hiding. Let’s get Bob home.

“If anyone spots him or finds him please call us on 07789078159 or 07859073629.”